Photo: Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke MP, with members of the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Lions Senior & Junior Football Netball Club Kendra Kerrisk, Jason Hamblin, Bron Hatty, Warwick Smith, Guy Purcell, and Alexander Patterson
Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced an investment of more than $1.7 million for the Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Lions FN Club to help foster the involvement of women and girls in sport.
Ms Cooke said the $1,736,018 investment, which was awarded as part of the government's 'Level the Playing Field Program', will help break down the barriers to female involvement in local sport by enhancing facilities to create a more welcoming environment.
"More and more women across our Cootamundra electorate are playing a wide range of sport, and it's vital they have the facilities they need to get involved," Ms Cooke said.
"I have long supported this project, and have made clear to the Minister the value of these upgrades, so I'm thrilled that both he and the Minister for Women recognise the importance of these kinds of investments in our region," she said.
Ms Cooke said the funding will go towards building female change rooms and amenities, along with the installation of lighting.
"The amenities upgrades will ensure all club members and those visiting have modern, accessible, and dignified facilities, allowing women and girls to have separate change rooms and designated areas just for them, while the lighting upgrades will help create a safer, more secure, and more welcoming area for people to train and play" Ms Cooke said.
"As we've seen, many of our world-class female athletes come from regional communities - including from right here in our own backyard - and building these new facilities will ensure we have the settings right, to be able to nurture girls' talent, and create a pathway to success.
"Of course you don't need to have your sights set on the world stage to harness the benefits of playing sport; participating in your chosen sport has social not to mention health benefits, and these improvements will ensure more and more local women and girls can enjoy those benefits for years to come," she said.
Ganmain Grong Grong Matong Lions FN president Club Jason Hamblin said the funding is the start of a new era for female sport in the area.
"This funding announcement is truly exciting news, and represents a once in a generation investment in our communities. It is truly life-changing for those who will benefit from these new facilities, both now and for generations to come," Mr Hamblin said.
